The Northern elders and opinion leaders are divided over the political direction to take ahead of the next polls in 2015 with all the main political groups in the region now speaking with different voices.
This dichotomy and difference of positions again came to the fore in Kaduna yesterday when the Northern Elders Council (NEC), led by Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, warned the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to disassociate itself from regional politics of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF).
A statement by NEC, signed by its spokesman, Ambassador Yusuf Mamman, frowned at a joint position in a statement purportedly issued by the ACF and NEF on the current crisis between some Northern governors and the Presidency.
Consequently, NEC warned ACF not to allow itself to be manipulated by NEF in serving their interest.
The statement regretted that it was unfortunate that the ACF, which is supposed to be an umbrella body for the north and all its organisations, will allow itself to be manipulated by the NEF, which is supposed to be under it.
“It is a matter of utmost regret that an organisation which is an umbrella organisation that serves as a pan-Northern platform will lend itself to the manipulation of NEF, which is an organisation that has consistently, openly and manifestly advocated violence, threat and intimidation.
“It is on record that the NEF harbours intemperate and bellicose disposition, which has largely alienated it from a substantial segment of good and well-meaning northerners.
“For the ACF to agree to submit a joint statement with the NEF is unfortunate and absolutely regrettable.
“The NEF has consistently sought to arrogate itself the right to speak and act in a very divisive, unpatriotic, unstatesmanly and partisanship manner. This, we reject. It is unacceptable,” the NEC said.
The group added that, “The integrity and credibility of the ACF will surely be tested if politically partisan groups are allowed to leverage on its goodwill to create chaos and promote their hate and selfish agenda.”
It, however, appealed to “the ACF leadership to remain non-partisan and an all inclusive northern platform.”
Source: Daily Newswatch
